My Day Maketh

Oh, what big problems the Democrats have. That's a heartwarming thought that one must keep in mind - especially if you're feeling a bit discouraged that they were able to cajole Ben Nelson into coming aboard the health care suicide train.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a leading congressional advocate for immigrants' rights, has introduced a bill that would allow millions of illegal immigrants to become U.S. citizens and would end a controversial program that enlists local police to enforce immigration laws.

If they manage to get the house to vote for the new senate "health" bill, well, that will be something. Obama will run around the country talking hype about what a wonderful thing he's done for the people, but, in the next couple of years, the people will see nothing but higher taxes and skyrocketing insurance costs while no new benefits will be forthcoming and the economy grinds through a painfully slow recovery.

The bill is widely viewed as too liberal to pass.
Obama administration officials have said they are looking instead to a more moderate, bipartisan immigration-reform bill to be introduced in the Senate early next year by Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

If the house and senate have to create a new health bill in conference, what a glorious compromise they will have to forge to create a measure that the liberal house - desperate for abortion services and a public option - will endorse. And we know that folks like Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson will again become impediments to getting such a measure through the senate.

Still, the Chicago Democrat made it clear that he and his allies expect a seat at the negotiating table as lawmakers and the White House seek middle ground on the polarizing issue.

Let's assume, though, that there's enough money left in the till for the Obama crowd to bribe anyone standing in their way to come on board and they manage to pass health. What will be next on the legislative agenda that won't further infuriate the nation for its liberalism while the terms of the legislation further erode liberal support for Obama?

Gutierrez's bill, endorsed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus and Asian Pacific American Caucus, would allow illegal immigrants to stay in the country while they apply to become legal residents or citizens. They would have to pay a $500 fine and show they've made a contribution to the country through work, education, military or community service.

If you think health care made for a riotous August, wait until immigration reform hits center stage. Or Card Check. Or Cap & Trade! There is nothing the party in power wants that isn't anathema to the American people.

The legislation also would repeal a program that enlists local police and sheriff's deputies to enforce federal immigration laws. The bill says only the federal government has the authority to enforce those laws.
It also includes a provision that would allow states to offer in-state school tuition to students who aren't citizens and whose parents may be in the country illegally.

Don't those sound like changes that voters aren't clamoring for - especially during a bad economy?

"As a candidate for president, Barack Obama promised comprehensive immigration reform, and we have brought him the bill to accomplish this," Gutierrez said.

The promise of Obama to the folks who launched him past Hillary was that Barack would be the Rudolph of the "progressive" vision, dropping gifts of socialism to every home through the stormy Christmas eve, even while whisking the troops out of Iraq.

"People feel shocked and completely betrayed that any elected official would propose legalizing illegal immigrants, stopping local police from enforcing immigration law, and stopping increased border security when we have over 15 million Americans out of work," said William Gheen of Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee.

As someone who believes in the U.S. Constitution, there are some things that liberals want to push for that warm my heart, as they reveal the true nature of the Democrats to regular voters who still think that they're voting for JFK when they pull the lefty lever. They create what I call, "Go ahead, make my day!" moments. Everything on the liberals Christmas list meets this test.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) said the bill is going nowhere.
"Congressman Gutierrez is an ardent supporter of immigrant rights and has introduced at least 20 major immigration bills in the past 10 years, but none has been cleared by a committee for a vote on the House floor," Lewis said.

If the immigration reform crowd gets abandoned by Obama like the anti-war and single payer crowds have been, where do liberal supporters of Obama go, especially if a health care bill passes without a Public Option? At some point, I expect they'll hit the streets, enraged over having been abandoned by the guy who they put into power.